Avastin

"Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer among men and women in the United States, after lung cancer. About 1 in 3 adults is not getting screened for colorectal cancer as recommended by the U.S. Preventive services Task Force (USP"...

Gastrointestinal Perforations

The incidence of gastrointestinal perforation, some
fatal, in Avastin-treated patients ranges from 0.3 to 3.2% . Discontinue
Avastin in patients with gastrointestinal perforation. [See DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Surgery and Wound Healing Complications

The incidence of wound healing and surgical
complications, including serious and fatal complications, is increased in
Avastin-treated patients. Discontinue Avastin in patients with wound
dehiscence. The appropriate interval between termination of Avastin and
subsequent elective surgery required to reduce the risks of impaired wound
healing/wound dehiscence has not been determined. Discontinue at least 28 days
prior to elective surgery. Do not initiate Avastin for at least 28 days after
surgery and until the surgical wound is fully healed. [See DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS]

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Avastin (bevacizumab) is a recombinant humanized
monoclonal IgG1 antibody that binds to and inhibits the biologic activity of
human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in in vitro and in vivo assay
systems. Bevacizumab contains human framework regions and the complementarity-determining
regions of a murine antibody that binds to VEGF. Avastin has an approximate
molecular weight of 149 kD. Bevacizumab is produced in a mammalian cell
(Chinese Hamster Ovary) expression system in a nutrient medium containing the
antibiotic gentamicin. Gentamicin is not detectable in the final product.

What are the possible side effects of bevacizumab (Avastin)?

Bevacizumab can cause a rare but serious neurologic disorder affecting the brain. Symptoms include headache, confusion, vision problems, feeling very weak or tired, fainting, and seizure (blackout or convulsions). These rare symptoms may occur within hours of your first dose of bevacizumab, or they may not appear for up to a year after your treatment started. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects.

Some people receiving a bevacizumab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you...

What are the precautions when taking bevacizumab (Avastin)?

See also Warning and Side Effects sections.

Before using bevacizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.